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Maya site

Xunantunich

A major Maya archaeological site near San Jose Succotz, known for the El Castillo pyramid and views over western Belize.

Western Belizeroad

See the place

Licensed travel imagery with attribution

Xunantunich in Belize
Denis Barthel · CC BY-SA 4.0
El Castillo at Xunantunich
Kaldari · CC0 1.0
East frieze detail at El Castillo, Xunantunich
Yogi · CC BY-SA 2.0

Quick answers

Planning facts for Xunantunich

The essentials for deciding where this place fits in your Belize trip.

Where is it?

Xunantunich is in Western Belize, Belize, within Cayo District.

How do you get there?

road. Visitors usually cross the Mopan River by hand-cranked ferry before reaching the site road.

Where should you stay?

Compare 4 nearby hotels and stays, with distance and access context.

Before you go

Plan your visit to Xunantunich

Check official details

Opening hours

Open daily, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM, including public and bank holidays.

Tickets

Ticket prices vary by residency and age; check the official ticket page for the current option.

Timing

Last entry is one hour before closing by vehicle and 1.5 hours before closing on foot.

Guides

Groups are limited to 15 visitors per tour guide.

What to know

  • Wear outdoor-appropriate footwear for rugged terrain.
  • All passengers must leave the vehicle when boarding the hand-cranked ferry.

Map context

The coral point marks Xunantunich. Nearby hotel and stay pins are approximate and pulled from the current Visit Belize lodging data.

Why go

Maya ruins
El Castillo views
Easy western Belize day trip

Visitors usually cross the Mopan River by hand-cranked ferry before reaching the site road.

Nearby lodging

Where to stay near Xunantunich

Compare nearby hotels and stays, then check access before choosing your base.

Search the region

Distances are approximate straight-line distances. They are not travel time, and Belize trips may involve boats, rough roads, hikes, guides, or seasonal access changes.

~1.7 kmroad
~1.5 kmroad
~1.8 kmroad
~1.8 kmroad